Lula reclaims presidency: Brazil vote chaos ends with narrow win

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured re-election on Sunday with 51.8 percent of the total vote, a lead of nearly 4.4 million over challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. The electoral court confirmed the result after a chaotic evening at polling stations across the country. This outcome maintains a degree of independence between Latin America's largest economy and the White House, as Lula is a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The final tally was delayed by a last-minute ruling from Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin. Three minutes before the scheduled end of voting, Zanin ordered polls to remain open for two additional hours. Both campaigns had requested the extension. Lula cited transportation issues in São Paulo and Salvador, while Bolsonaro pointed to heavy rains in the south. It remained unclear how many stations stayed open after the original closing time, and some machines in Rio de Janeiro had already been powered down.

Flávio Bolsonaro reacted to the results by stating he wants the election annulled due to the late extension. His ally Nikolas Ferreira noted that Zanin had previously served as Lula's lawyer. Bolsonaro had led Lula by more than 2.2 million votes in the first round earlier this month. Sunday's result marks the first time since 1985 that the second-place finisher from the first round won the presidency.

Lula addressed supporters after the court's announcement, thanking the Brazilian people and pledging to respect all citizens regardless of gender or religion. He characterized the victory as a defeat for denialism and lies. The president also emphasized national sovereignty, stating that the country will not accept being anyone's backyard. He is set to turn 81 on Tuesday, joining Trump and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega as the oldest sitting presidents in the Americas.

In São Paulo, hundreds of supporters gathered on the city's main artery to celebrate. Lula was seen wearing red star-shaped glasses and kissing his wife, Rosângela Lula da Silva. In Rio de Janeiro, cars honked and crowds chanted. Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old Bolsonaro supporter, expressed concern that another Lula government would harm the economy. He argued that the country is collapsing and cited the positive market reaction to the first-round results.

The election was driven by voter concerns over the cost of living and public security. Bolsonaro campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform and pledged to lower food costs. Lula invested in costly incentives to attract undecided voters. Both candidates face corruption suspicions involving family members. Lula previously served 580 days in prison on convictions that were later annulled. This victory begins his non-consecutive fourth term, which starts on Jan. 5, 2027.